EDIT: To be fair, I was not the first to post about this article. AnCatMara posted about is [url=http://www.bungie.net/7_OXM-Article-41713---17413/en-us/Forum/Post?id=60235308]here[/url]. Either way, enjoy the article! New article hot off the press at OXM (UK). Check it out if you're needing a rainy day pick-me-up: [quote][url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/52453/features/destiny-bungie-talks-character-load-outs-the-grognok-engine-and-mapping-the-solar-system/]Bungie Talks Character Load-Outs, Grognok and Factions[/url][/quote] Not a ton of new info, but every little conversation gives us an extra glimpse into this new universe. Staten focuses the conversation on the mystery that is Destiny, and how Bungie wants to keep it at the center of their new IP. He touches on a few important subjects: Grognok, factions, weapons/ships lore, customization and easter eggs, but does not go into great detail (as we would assume). Below are some of the highlights of the article: [quote]"I can't really talk about [u]crafting[/u], but certainly loot drops are something we talked about. So absolutely you'll be finding - we talked about the tower and the [u]ability to buy things like ships[/u], so I don't think it's too far of a leap to assume you'll be able to buy gear and weapons in some way shape or form, and certainly we talked about loot drops, you'll be able to find things through combat, out in the world absolutely."[/quote] [quote]"Probably the best thing to say right now is the factions [i]that we've released[/i], they are [u]real factions[/u] in the game, so if you find yourself drawn to one of them artistically or the name, you'll definitely have opportunities in the game to, I'd say, [b]heighten[/b] these associations."[/quote] [quote]"The second kind of story you'll be telling is one you wear, one that you've put together over time. The gear that you carry, the weapons that you have, one detail that we really didn't go into too much in the day was just the [u]variety of looks[/u] and [u]combat abilities[/u] that you can have and so when you encounter someone in a public space they're going to look different from you, they're going to play different than you, they're really going to be quite, quite different from a characterization point of view."[/quote] [u]What I gleaned from the article[/u]: - Bungie is playing Destiny close to the chest because they want their new universe to remain mysterious and untainted. It seems at times like they have too much to do and not much to share, but this article makes me think otherwise. - I know they have discussed this before, but I think that customization will run much deeper than just visual. It sounds that not only will be have combat abilities (awesome) but that they will form a very specific player type that will be seen by all. - Factions are very real, and I think Staten was putting it mildly when he said that we will have opportunities to "heighten these associations". - I'M ON A SHIP and I'M GOIN FAST and.... Looking forward to what they have to offer us in the Tower Market. And what's that? CRAFTING!?!?! :) Discussion Questions!!! [quote]Do you appreciate the manner and timing that Bungie shares information with us?[/quote] [quote]What does Staten mean in referring to "combat abilities"? I think armor abilities in Reach just scratched the surface; what do you think Bungie has in store for us in this new universe?[/quote] [quote]What ways do you think factions will impact gameplay in Destiny?[/quote] [quote]What do you think about having a crafting option in Destiny? Does the idea excite you, overwhelm you, both?[/quote]